Ratings6
Average rating4.5
'There is no writer in the evangelical world that I admire and appreciate more.'
Billy Graham
Philip Yancey helps reveal what two thousand years of history covered up
What happens when a respected Christian journalist decides to put his preconceptions aside and take a long look at the Jesus described in the Gospels? How does the Jesus of the New Testament compare to the 'new, rediscovered' Jesus---or even the Jesus we think we know so well?
Philip Yancey offers a new and different perspective on the life of Christ and his work---his teachings, his miracles, his death and resurrection---and ultimately, who he was and why he came. From the manger in Bethlehem to the cross in Jerusalem, Yancey presents a complex character who generates questions as well as answers; a disturbing and exhilarating Jesus who wants to radically transform your life and stretch your faith.
The Jesus I Never Knew uncovers a Jesus who is brilliant, creative, challenging, fearless, compassionate, unpredictable, and ultimately satisfying. 'No one who meets Jesus ever stays the same,' says Yancey. 'Jesus has rocked my own preconceptions and has made me ask hard questions about why those of us who bear his name don't do a better job of following him.'
Reviews with the most likes.
This book blew me away!
I wasn't intending to read Philip Yancey. I saw his books in various places, but never had a lot of interest. But- within the span of a couple weeks, I'm sure at least 3 people recommended his books to me, either in general or specific books for things going on in my life. So I decided to read something from him, and this book seemed like a good place to start.
I believe Yancey's background is in journalism, and that's the kind of approach he takes to the gospels, the story of Jesus' life on earth. Basically, he puts himself in the shoes of someone in first century Judea, trying to figure out who this guy is- the teacher doing crazy things and saying even crazier things. He talked about the two thousand years of church history filtering the way we see and think of Jesus, as traditions and Sunday school lessons portrayed him in certain ways.
I really appreciated Yancey's fresh insight into gospel stories familiar to me. The way he phrased his thoughts, and especially questions he asked, made Jesus come alive even more to me. The main thing I got from this book was that Jesus can be known personally but never defined fully.
I'm so glad I gave this book a try, and I can't wait to read more from Philip Yancey!
What a wonderful read. This book did so much for my way of thinking, my understanding of who Jesus is, and creating a stronger desire within me to read through the Gospels. I am a big fan of Yancey's approach and writing style and look forward to checking out other books he has written.